If you’re looking for a heartwarming dinner that looks as fabulous as it tastes, this Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe is your answer! Packed with bold, savory Italian sausage, bell peppers in a festival of colors, and a lavish blanket of gooey melted cheese, every bite is a delightful flavor explosion. It comes together with everyday ingredients and bakes to irresistible golden perfection, making it a go-to for quick dinners, relaxed get-togethers, or meal prep days. Let’s turn a handful of pantry staples into the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how a few classic, easy-to-find ingredients combine to create layers of taste and irresistible cheesy comfort. Each element plays its part: color, kick, creaminess, or heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need to make the Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe shine:

Italian Sausage: The star—choose your favorite mild or spicy, and remember to remove the casings for easy crumbling and browning.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything sauté beautifully.
Red, Green & Yellow Bell Peppers: This trio brings sweetness, crunch, and a gorgeous pop of color.
Red Onion: Slightly sweet and savory, it rounds out the veggie blend.
Garlic: Just two minced cloves add an unmistakable aromatic kick.
Italian Seasoning: Classic herbs for an authentic, earthy flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle hint of heat—add as much or as little as you like!
Diced Tomatoes (drained): Juicy, slightly tangy tomatoes make a flavorful, not-too-wet base.
Marinara Sauce: For that familiar, comforting Italian flavor and a saucy finish.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a wonderfully gooey, stringy topping no one can resist.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty punch to finish the cheesy layer.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch at the right moment balances all the flavors.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for fresh flavor and a pretty finish on top.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a big skillet. Heat up the olive oil over medium heat and add the sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly and develops those irresistible crispy bits. When it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked, transfer it to a plate with a slotted spoon—you’ll want to keep those flavorful oils in the pan for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

In that same skillet, add your sliced red, green, and yellow peppers with the red onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often! You want the vegetables to soften, soak up the sausage flavor, and become slightly caramelized, not mushy. This is where the aroma will start to fill your kitchen and get everyone circling.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Give it a good pinch of salt and pepper too. Cook just until the garlic is fragrant—about a minute—so it doesn’t burn but infuses everything with wonderful depth.

Step 4: Mix in the Tomatoes and Marinara

Time to add the diced tomatoes (make sure they’re well-drained to keep your bake from getting soggy) and pour in the marinara. Stir everything together, then return the browned sausage to the skillet. Let it all heat through and meld together—this is where the dish gets its saucy, delicious foundation.

Step 5: Assemble and Cheese It Up

Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite will have all the goods! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top, followed by a shower of Parmesan. This cheesy duo is what makes the Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe so utterly craveable.

Step 6: Bake to Melted Perfection

Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, melty cheese and golden brown edges—the kind of top that everyone wants to dig a spoon into first! Let it sit for 5 minutes before finishing with fresh basil or parsley if you like. The resting time helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

A little fresh basil or parsley scattered on top not only adds color but brightens up all those rich, cheesy flavors. Sometimes a little more grated Parmesan adds that final flourish!

Side Dishes

This comforting bake goes handsomely with simple sides. Try it over fluffy white rice, a twirl of spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter touch. Crusty garlic bread is always a hit, soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon it into individual oven-safe ramekins for dinner party presentation, or serve family-style right from the baking dish with a big green salad. Feeling extra cozy? Load it into hoagie rolls with a little extra cheese and broil briefly for a melty Italian sausage sub!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe cool completely, then cover tightly or scoop into airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and only gets more flavorful after the flavors mingle.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this bake! Make sure to use a freezer-safe dish or portion it into smaller containers. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. A great way to have a grab-and-heat dinner ready for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes if thawed, a bit longer if still partially frozen). For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders—just be sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage are great options if you want to lighten things up a bit—the flavors play nicely with all the same seasonings and veggies.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It will be if you use a gluten-free marinara sauce and double-check your sausage’s ingredients. Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice if needed, and you’re all set!

How spicy is Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe?

The beauty is you control it! Use mild sausage and skip the crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle, kid-friendly version, or lean into the heat with hot sausage and a generous sprinkle of flakes for some kick.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach tucked into the sauté step are tasty additions that add extra nutrients and variety.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake up to a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, and simply bake when ready. It’s perfect for prepping before guests arrive or busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, colorful dish that feels as welcoming as it tastes, I can’t recommend the Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table—so simple to make and always a hit. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home too!

Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines savory Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a perfect comfort food for a family dinner or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Italian Sausage Bake:

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Pepper Mix:

1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 small red onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Other Ingredients:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Sausage: Brown and cook Italian sausage in a skillet, then set aside.
Sauté Peppers: Sauté bell peppers, onion, garlic, seasonings, and tomatoes in the skillet.
Combine: Mix in marinara sauce and return the sausage to the skillet.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake until bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.